ML 500 brakes
 

I recently had the rotors and pads on my ML500 replaced with Mercedes replacement parts and within 3 weeks the brakes started "squealing". After 2 more trips to the shop with no results lasting more than a day I finally installed a set of Wagner pads and had the same results. The problem goes away briefly after washing the wheels but comes back within a day. HELP

What brand of pads did the shop use...brake squeal is the number 1 complaint!

As DOC said.....#1 problem with customers cars.
You may get some piece and quiet by applying a compound to the back of the pads.....it tends to shift the noise into the inaudable range...which is why dogs often chase/bark at cars/trucks etc. All brakes squeal, job is to make it so we don't hear them.

If you do it yourself you can get brake quiet from most parts stores. I've have used a 'VersaChem' product called Caliper Brake Grease.


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pad brand
 

The pads replaced the first time were factory Mercedes and when I pulled them off they did have some kind of adhesive applied to the back of them.
The second set were Wagner semi metalic and the tube of "stuff" that was in the box was applied to the back. I have noticed that the longer I drive the louder it gets. Should the back of the pads also have some kind of material on them? Like thin gasket material?

Yes, most pads have a dampening shim & also a "paste" that keeps the pads from vibrating.

pad shims
 

Thanks DOC I will give that a try.

Squealing brakes
 

MB had this problem with the Brembo brakes on the ML500. The fix was a switch to different pads - Galfer, I think.

Thanks for the tip. I just changed my rears, and I am having the same problem. I put Axxis Ultimates on, better bite and less dust (use them on other street cars, no issues). I installed factory Brembo rotors. I used CRC brake quiet spray, redid it again, still no help. It squeals like a banshee!!
Regards,
Jerry

MB carries a greyish metallic brake paste, the parts guy told me to get when I was at the dealership. The stuff works really well, not squeal on my front brakes, I installed Mintex pads and OE rotors.

I think the brakes are different on a 98 ML from a ML500... I used EBC front pads for my 2000 ML430, but they were noisy... I stuck with it until it worn down in about 30k miles, then I went back to use the factory Pagid brand that came with the metal shim plate and that solve the problem :) Hope this helps... The front OEM pads are ~ $80..